DENTON, Texas - The North Texas Athletics Department honored 23 student-athletes who are receiving their diplomas this weekend with a reception in the club level of Apogee Stadium.

These seniors were part of a student-athlete body that combined for a 3.0 grade-point average last year, the highest GPA in at least 12 years.

"This is a great group of seniors," said North Texas Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Cinnamon Sheffield. "Four years ago, the university gave us a class that allowed us to teach freshman transition. This is the first group that took that particular class. We have grown up with them so this is a very special group."

The football team led the way with 11 players receiving their undergraduate degrees. Ten of those players, including Brelan Chancellor, Zach Orr and Marcus Trice, will play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on January 1.

Four track and field athletes, two swimmers, two golfers and two softball players were honored, including Ashley Kirk, who will pitch her final season this spring at North Texas.

"Being an athlete has helped me as a student," said Kirk. It has taught me disciple and that hard work and the commitment to it will pay off in the end."

Soccer player Tori Adame and tennis student-athlete Barbora Vykydalova rounded out the December graduates for the Mean Green.